The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reported a shooting incident in Shariff Aguak, Mindanao, on Tuesday, the last day for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm elections.
According to COMELEC Chairman George Garcia, a candidate in the area had an outstanding warrant of arrest. Police officers served the warrant at the location where the COC filing was taking place.
The candidate's COC was not accepted by COMELEC due to incomplete documents, including a 'blank' Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA).
The candidate reportedly informed his supporters that his candidacy was rejected, which caused them to become aggressive.
Five individuals were reportedly injured in the incident.
"Kulang ang dokumentong isinubmit at nagkaroon ng putukan. Lima ang sugatan, sila-sila din pero nagawan natin ng paraan at nakapag-file pa rin sila," Garcia said in DZRH's Dos Por Dos.
Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the filing of COC for the 2025 elections has been relatively peaceful.
